Genesis 40:15

KJV

For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

KJV (with Strong's)

For indeed I was stolen away {H1589} out of the land {H776} of the Hebrews {H5680}: and here also have I done {H6213} nothing {H3972} that they should put {H7760} me into the dungeon {H953}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the truth is that I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and here too I have done nothing wrong that would justify putting me in this dungeon."

Berean Standard Bible

For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon.”

American Standard Version

for indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joseph's poignant declaration in Genesis 40:15 to the chief butler serves as a desperate plea for justice and a testament to his unblemished conscience, emphatically stating his wrongful abduction from his homeland and his baseless imprisonment in Egypt despite his complete innocence. This verse encapsulates Joseph's profound sense of injustice and his unwavering integrity amidst severe adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Joseph's life in Egypt, specifically during his imprisonment in Pharaoh's dungeon. Following his unjust accusation by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39), Joseph finds himself among Pharaoh's prisoners. Here, he encounters Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker, both of whom have offended the king. Joseph, having demonstrated his divine gift of dream interpretation in Potiphar's house, is able to interpret their dreams accurately. His plea in [Genesis 40:15](/genesis/40-15 "Joseph's Plea to the Butler") comes immediately after he has interpreted the chief butler's dream, which foretold his restoration to Pharaoh's service. It is a direct, earnest appeal for the butler to remember him and advocate for his release once he is reinstated, underscoring Joseph's desperate hope for freedom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Joseph's experience reflects the realities of ancient Near Eastern legal systems, where accusations, especially against foreign slaves, could lead to swift and severe punishment without extensive due process. The "dungeon" (Hebrew: *bôwr*) was often a pit-like prison, potentially a dry cistern, used for holding prisoners, signifying harsh and often dark conditions. The reference to "the land of the Hebrews" (Canaan) highlights Joseph's foreign status in Egypt and his connection to the patriarchal covenant. Egyptians, while generally tolerant, viewed foreigners, especially shepherds like Joseph's family, with some disdain. Joseph's plea to the butler, a high-ranking official, was a culturally appropriate way to seek intervention from a higher authority, as direct appeals to Pharaoh would have been impossible for a prisoner.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine providence** working through human injustice, as Joseph's suffering ultimately positions him for a pivotal role in God's plan to preserve his family and the nascent nation of Israel, as seen later in [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's ultimate purpose for Joseph"). It also highlights the **suffering of the righteous**, a recurring biblical motif where blameless individuals endure hardship for a greater purpose, echoing the experiences of figures like Job and foreshadowing the ultimate suffering of Christ. Furthermore, Joseph's unwavering **integrity in adversity** is evident; despite his dire circumstances and the injustice he faces, he maintains his truthfulness and character, even when it seems to yield no immediate benefit, as demonstrated throughout [Genesis 39](/genesis/39 "Joseph and Potiphar's Wife").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
In Genesis 40:15, Joseph articulates his profound sense of injustice and his blamelessness before the chief butler. His words are a direct appeal for recognition of his true circumstances, hoping that this plea will lead to his freedom.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stolen away (Hebrew, _gânab'_):** This primitive root signifies to thieve, literally or figuratively; by implication, to deceive; to carry away, or get by stealth. Joseph's use of this term emphasizes that his removal from his homeland was not a voluntary departure or a legitimate transaction, but a violent, illegitimate, and deceptive act perpetrated against his will by his brothers. The repetition in the Hebrew (a *niphal* infinitive absolute) intensifies the verb, underscoring the absolute and undeniable fact of his forced abduction.
* **nothing (Hebrew, _mᵉʼûwmâh'_):** Apparently a form meaning "a speck or point," which, with a negative, implies "nothing" or "not anything." Joseph's declaration that he has done "nothing" is a strong assertion of his complete innocence. It signifies a total absence of fault, crime, or wrongdoing on his part that would warrant his current imprisonment. This word underscores the profound injustice of his suffering.
* **dungeon (Hebrew, _bôwr'_):** From a root meaning "to be firm," this word refers to a pit-hole, especially one used as a cistern or a prison. It denotes a deep, dark, and often confining place, emphasizing the severity and harshness of Joseph's incarceration. The term implies not just a jail, but a miserable, perhaps subterranean, confinement, highlighting the dire circumstances from which he longs to be released.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews:":** Joseph begins by asserting the undeniable fact of his forced removal from his homeland. The phrase "stolen away" (Hebrew: *gânab*) conveys the violence and illegitimacy of his brothers' actions, emphasizing that he was taken against his will, not willingly sold or legitimately transferred. "The land of the Hebrews" refers to Canaan, the promised land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting his displacement from his heritage and the covenant people. This clause underscores his foreignness in Egypt and his longing for his true home and family.
* **"and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.":** This second clause is a direct and forceful declaration of Joseph's innocence regarding his current imprisonment. He explicitly states that he committed no crime against Potiphar or the Egyptians that would warrant such a severe punishment. This highlights the profound injustice of his situation, as he is suffering for a crime he did not commit. The "dungeon" (Hebrew: *bôwr*) implies harsh, confining, and often solitary conditions, underscoring the severity of his confinement. His declaration of innocence is central to his appeal to the butler, not merely a complaint, but a strategic statement intended to evoke sympathy and action.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Pathos** is powerfully utilized as Joseph's words evoke sympathy for his unjust suffering and desperate situation. His direct and unadorned statement of being "stolen away" and having "done nothing" appeals directly to the butler's sense of fairness and compassion. The phrase "land of the Hebrews" functions as **metonymy**, representing not just a geographical location but also his heritage, family, and the covenant promises associated with his lineage, emphasizing his profound displacement. Furthermore, the contrast between Joseph's **innocence** ("done nothing") and his **unjust suffering** ("put me into the dungeon") creates a stark **juxtaposition**, highlighting the profound injustice he endures and serving as a key element of his plea.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's experience in Genesis 40:15, though a cry of personal injustice, is deeply embedded within the larger tapestry of God's sovereign plan. It illustrates how God can use human evil and injustice to achieve His redemptive purposes, transforming suffering into a pathway for blessing. Joseph's blamelessness in the face of false accusation and imprisonment foreshadows a recurring biblical theme of the righteous suffering unjustly, yet ultimately being vindicated or used by God for a greater good. This narrative reinforces the truth that God's presence and purpose are not negated by human wickedness or dire circumstances.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "God's Redemptive Purpose for Evil")
* [Psalm 105:17-19](/psalms/105-17-19 "God's Providence in Joseph's Life")
* [1 Peter 2:19-21](/1_peter/2-19-21 "Suffering for Righteousness' Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's experience in Genesis 40:15 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly in times of adversity, false accusation, or profound injustice. It reminds us that even when facing circumstances beyond our control, where we are wronged despite our innocence, maintaining integrity and speaking the truth, as Joseph did, remains vital. His long imprisonment and unjust suffering demonstrate the importance of perseverance and hope, even when circumstances seem bleak and the path forward is unclear. Joseph's plea is not one of despairing resignation but of active, hopeful engagement with the opportunity presented. Ultimately, this verse, though a cry for justice, is set within a larger story of God turning evil intentions into good, reminding us that God can use even the most unjust situations to achieve His ultimate purposes, often in ways we cannot foresee at the time. We are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His methods are mysterious and His timing is delayed, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's response to injustice challenge my own reactions when I feel wronged or falsely accused?**
* **In what ways can I maintain my integrity and speak truth, even when it seems to yield no immediate benefit or when circumstances are bleak?**
* **How does Joseph's unwavering hope, despite his long imprisonment, encourage me to persevere in difficult seasons of life?**

### FAQ
**Was Joseph's plea to the butler a sign of a lack of faith?**

Answer: Joseph's plea was a natural human response to an unjust situation, seeking a legitimate and available means of release. It does not necessarily indicate a lack of faith, but rather a practical effort to leverage an opportunity for freedom, consistent with the biblical principle of acting responsibly within one's circumstances. Throughout his trials, Joseph consistently demonstrated trust in God's providence, interpreting dreams and serving faithfully. His actions here can be seen as a faithful man utilizing human avenues while still trusting God to work through them, much like Paul appealing to Caesar in [Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Paul Appeals to Caesar") or Peter being released by an angel in [Acts 12:6-11](/acts/12-6-11 "Peter's Miraculous Release from Prison").

**Why is Joseph's homeland referred to as "the land of the Hebrews"?**

Answer: At this point in history, the term "Hebrews" (Hebrew: *ʻIbrîy*) was likely used by Egyptians, or by Joseph himself, to refer to Abraham's descendants, a distinct ethnic or tribal group originating from the land of Canaan. It serves to identify Joseph's foreign origin and his connection to the patriarchal covenant, distinguishing him from the Egyptians. The term "Hebrew" is derived from Eber, an ancestor of Abraham, and was used to describe Abraham and his descendants as they migrated. The land itself would later be known as Israel, but "land of the Hebrews" accurately reflects the terminology of the time from an external perspective, emphasizing Joseph's non-Egyptian identity and his roots in the covenant land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's experience in Genesis 40:15 profoundly prefigures Christ, offering a powerful type and shadow of the ultimate innocent sufferer. Like Joseph, Jesus was entirely innocent, "stolen away" from His rightful place in heavenly glory to suffer unjustly on earth. He was falsely accused, betrayed by His own people, and condemned despite His blamelessness, just as Joseph was by his brothers and Potiphar's wife. Both endured profound betrayal and displacement, yet through their suffering, God accomplished a greater salvation. Joseph's unjust imprisonment ultimately led to his exaltation and the salvation of his family and many nations from famine, foreshadowing Christ's unjust crucifixion, which led to His resurrection and the spiritual salvation of humanity from sin and death, fulfilling God's redemptive plan through the suffering of an innocent man. As [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Suffering Servant") declares, "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." The innocent Joseph's cry from the dungeon echoes the innocent Christ's cry from the cross, both demonstrating God's sovereign ability to bring about ultimate good and salvation through the profound injustice endured by His chosen ones, culminating in the [resurrection of Jesus Christ](/romans/4-25 "Christ's Resurrection for Our Justification") and the [redemption of all who believe](/john/3-16 "God's Love and Salvation").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 3:17

For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Genesis 39:20

And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners [were] bound: and he was there in the prison.

Psalms 59:3

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD.

Psalms 59:4

They run and prepare themselves without [my] fault: awake to help me, and behold.

Acts 24:12

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

Acts 24:21

Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.